Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te visited Hawaii, meeting with Governor Josh Green and congressional representatives, sparking criticism from Beijing. China condemned U.S. support for Lai’s visit and a new U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, warning of measures to protect its sovereignty. Hawaii was Lai’s first stop on a Pacific tour, including the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. Lai and Green, both with medical backgrounds, discussed disaster preparedness and healthcare-informed governance. Penelope Kingsley 02/12/2024 2:30 am
Syrian and Russian jets have intensified strikes on opposition forces in northern Syria after rebels captured Aleppo and key military sites. The rebel offensive, led by the Military Operations Command, has taken control of significant areas in Aleppo and Idlib, posing a major challenge to President Assad. Despite regime airstrikes, including those by Russian planes, the rebels’ gains have been substantial, complicating the Syrian defense ministry’s counteroffensive plans. Recent airstrikes have caused casualties and damaged infrastructure, including a Franciscan convent in Aleppo. Noah Prescott 02/12/2024 2:30 am
Protests erupted in Georgia’s capital for the fourth night over the government’s decision to delay EU accession until 2028 and reject EU grants. Thousands gathered, clashing with police who used water cannons. Protesters responded with fireworks. The Interior Ministry reported violence, with pyrotechnics and fires causing damage. Over 150 arrests were made, and several police officers were injured. Noah Prescott 02/12/2024 2:30 am
The UN agency Unrwa has suspended aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing due to security concerns after armed gangs looted convoys. Unrwa’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, urged Israel to maintain law and order, as recent thefts have hindered aid distribution. Israel accuses Hamas of hijacking aid. The situation is dire, with Gaza on the brink of famine. Lazzarini emphasized the need for safe aid delivery and called on Israel to protect aid workers and ensure safe passage. Despite opening other crossings, Kerem Shalom remains the primary route for aid into Gaza. Ava Sinclair 02/12/2024 2:30 am
On Monday, global markets will focus on the dollar, particularly its performance against emerging market currencies, following President-elect Trump’s warning to ‘BRICS’ nations against creating or supporting a currency to replace the U.S. dollar. This comes amid proposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada. The dollar recently ended an eight-week winning streak, influenced by U.S. rate cut expectations and falling Treasury yields, but remains strong against many G10 and emerging Asian currencies. Sentiment towards emerging markets remains downbeat. Penelope Kingsley 02/12/2024 2:30 am
Belgium became the first country to allow sex workers to sign formal employment contracts, granting them rights like sick days, maternity pay, and pensions. The new law, effective Sunday, ensures sex workers can refuse clients, set conditions, and stop acts anytime. It also mandates clean, safe work environments and prohibits dismissing workers for refusing clients. This law, passed in May, builds on 2022’s decriminalization efforts, offering sex workers protections similar to other professions. The Belgian union UTSOPI praised the law for ending legal discrimination and enhancing worker protection. Noah Prescott 02/12/2024 2:30 am
Israeli airstrikes on northern Gaza killed at least 200 people, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The UN paused aid deliveries after trucks were stolen. Tens of thousands have died, and hunger threatens civilians. A truce with Hezbollah allows Israel to focus on Gaza. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya reported five buildings were hit, leaving over 100 people under rubble. The Al-Araj family lost over 40 members in a single strike. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 44,429 deaths since the war began, likely an underestimate due to inaccessibility. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 11:00 pm
President-elect Donald Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on nine nations, including BRICS members, if they create a rival currency to the US dollar. Trump criticized BRICS countries’ attempts to reduce the dollar’s dominance, demanding they abandon such plans or face tariffs. Some allies suggest Trump’s threats are negotiation tactics. Republican Senator Ted Cruz emphasized the importance of leverage, citing past tariff threats that prompted action. Trump’s Treasury Secretary pick, Scott Bessent, also indicated these threats might be strategic. Canadian PM Trudeau visited Trump to address potential tariffs on Canadian goods. Penelope Kingsley 01/12/2024 11:00 pm
In Ireland’s election, the centrist parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are set to retain power, with Michéal Martin of Fianna Fáil likely to become taoiseach. Fianna Fáil secured the most first preference votes, while Sinn Féin, despite initial hopes, came third with a 5.5% drop in support. Analysts predict Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will win over 80 seats, nearing a majority. They may form a coalition with centre-left parties. Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald is expected to remain opposition leader. The Green Party faces significant losses. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 11:00 pm
In Romania’s parliamentary elections, pro-EU and pro-NATO parties, led by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), appeared to hold off the far-right surge. PSD secured about 25% of the vote, surpassing the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) with under 20%. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu emphasized Romania’s pro-EU path. For the presidency, liberal Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union (USR) will face pro-Russian Călin Georgescu in the second round. The outcome may depend on PSD and PNL voter support, with potential political alliances influencing results. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 11:00 pm
